Houston Congresswoman, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Dies at 74

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a three-decade congresswoman who represented a predominantly Hispanic and black Houston district, has died, the 74-year-old’s office announced Friday.

“Today, with great sadness and deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas,” Jackson Lee’s office wrote. “A staunch advocate for the people, she was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service in their daily lives for more than 30 years.”

Representatives for the lawmaker said funeral arrangements were pending, but did not release further details of her death.

Jackson Lee is survived by her husband Elwyn Lee and their two children.

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